Slow Cooker Keto Beef Barbacoa

Slow Cooker Keto Beef Barbacoa

A tender, flavorful Mexican-inspired dish perfect for low-carb meal prep.

Key Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-9 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 9 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary: Keto, Low-carb, Gluten-free

Equipment Needed

• Large slow cooker (6-quart minimum)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons/cups
• Tongs
• Alternative: Instant Pot (4-hour cooking time on high pressure)

Ingredients

Main Components:

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast (1.4 kg)
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup beef broth (240ml), low sodium
• 2 chipotles in adobo sauce + 2 tsp sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1-2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp cooking oil

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/8 tsp ground cloves

Method

1. Trim excess fat from beef and cut into 4-inch chunks

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear beef chunks until browned (3-4 minutes per side)
3. Transfer beef to slow cooker

4. Combine all seasonings in a small bowl, then sprinkle over meat
5. Add diced onion, garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, and vinegar
6. Pour beef broth around (not over) the meat
7. Cook on LOW for 8-9 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until meat shreds easily
8. Remove meat, shred with two forks, return to sauce

Crucial Tips

• Don’t skip the searing step – it develops deeper flavor
• Keep lid closed during cooking
• Check meat at minimum cooking time to prevent drying
• Taste and adjust seasonings before serving

Storage & Scaling

• Refrigerate: up to 4 days in an airtight container
• Freeze: up to 3 months
• Double recipe: increase cooking time by 1-2 hours
• Half recipe: maintain same cooking time

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t use lean beef – fat equals flavor
• Don’t lift lid during cooking
• Don’t skip resting time after shredding

Variations

Spice Level:

• Mild: Remove seeds from chipotles
• Hot: Add extra chipotles or hot sauce
• Extra Smoky: Add 1 tsp smoked paprika

Serving Suggestions:

• Cauliflower rice (keto)
• Lettuce wraps
• Over mixed greens
• With keto-friendly tortillas

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 21g
• Net Carbs: 2g